What material is used for the Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13 Hi-Hats?

These hi-hats are crafted from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This specific alloy provides a versatile balance between brightness and durability for modern drumming styles.

What is the typical price for this package?

The bundle is typically priced at approximately £225. This includes both the 13-inch hi-hat pair and the black Gear4music hi-hat stand.

How does the deep hammering affect the sound?

The deep hammering technique produces a more aggressive and cutting 'chick' sound. It helps the cymbals penetrate through dense instrumentation in loud musical genres.

What are the benefits of the 13-inch diameter?

A 13-inch diameter offers a higher pitch and a quicker, more articulate response compared to 14-inch models. This makes them particularly effective for fast, intricate sticking patterns.

Why do these hi-hats have a dark polished finish?

The dark polished finish provides a unique aesthetic to the drum kit and contributes to a rounder, more controlled tone. It helps balance the natural brightness of the B12 bronze.

Is the included stand reliable for touring?

Yes, the Gear4music black hi-hat stand is described as a reliable and sturdy hardware piece. It is designed to securely hold the hats in place during vigorous performance sessions.

How does additional lathing change the cymbal's tone?

Additional lathing refines the sound waves produced by the cymbal, resulting in a smoother or 'rounder' tone. This helps the hi-hats sound more musical despite their aggressive attack.

What genre of music are these hi-hats best suited for?

Due to their bright tones and strong attack, they are ideal for rock, metal, and other loud genres. However, their refined lathing allows them to work in various contemporary settings.

Can I use these hi-hats with other stands?

Yes, these are standard 13-inch hi-hats and are compatible with most standard stands, including the Yamaha HS740A. The bundle, however, already includes a dedicated black stand.

What is included in this specific bundle?

The bundle includes one pair of Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13-inch hi-hat cymbals and one Gear4music hi-hat stand in a black finish. No other accessories are mentioned in the standard package.

How does the sound compare to B8 bronze cymbals?

B12 bronze generally offers a more professional, complex frequency response than entry-level B8 bronze. It provides better projection and a more pleasant harmonic sustain.

Does the black finish on the stand wear off easily?

The stand is described as having a sleek, sturdy design intended for regular use. While all plated or painted hardware may show wear over years of heavy use, it is built to be a durable component of the kit.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13 Hi-Hats & Hi-Hat Stand Black

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13 Hi-Hats & Hi-Hat Stand Black is a professional-grade percussion bundle featuring B12 bronze cymbals paired with a robust mounting solution. Designed for aggressive playing styles, these 13-inch hi-hats utilise deep hammering and a dark finish to deliver a cutting, bright sound with a focused 'chick' response.

See live prices

Overview

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13 Hi-Hats & Hi-Hat Stand Black represents a cohesive solution for drummers seeking both premium cymbals and a reliable hardware foundation. The package centers around the 13-inch hi-hats from Meinl's acclaimed Classics Custom Dark series, which are distinguished by their B12 bronze construction and specialized manufacturing techniques. The set includes a black hi-hat stand produced by Gear4music, ensuring the cymbals are mounted securely for high-performance applications.

Cymbal Construction and Features

These hi-hats are manufactured using a B12 bronze alloy, which offers a specific balance of durability and tonal clarity. Two key manufacturing processes define their performance:

Deep Hammering: This technique is applied to increase the complexity of the sound and provide a cutting 'chick' that can pierce through loud stage mixes.
Additional Lathing: Beyond standard machining, these cymbals undergo extra lathing to refine the tone, resulting in a 'rounder' and more sophisticated sound profile compared to traditional bright cymbals.

The aesthetic is defined by a dark polished finish, which serves both a visual purpose—adding a unique, modern look to the drum kit—and a tonal purpose by slightly drying out the sustain.

Sound Character and Performance

The Classics Custom Dark series is known for its aggressive nature. The 13-inch diameter provides a higher pitch and faster response than standard 14-inch models, making them ideal for intricate footwork and rapid-fire stick patterns. Despite the 'Dark' moniker and finish, these hi-hats maintain a bright underlying tone with a strong attack, ensuring they do not get lost in high-decibel musical environments such as rock and metal.

Hardware and Compatibility

The accompanying Gear4music hi-hat stand is finished in a sleek black to match the aesthetic of the Meinl cymbals. It is engineered for stability, featuring a sturdy tripod base to prevent movement during heavy playing. While this bundle provides a complete vertical setup, drummers often pair it with other professional hardware such as the Yamaha HS740A Hi-Hat Stand or the Tama HTS88W Roadpro Single Tom Stand for a consistent touring rig. For auxiliary setups, it can be used alongside products like the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder.

Comparison and Suitability

This package is specifically suited for drummers who require cymbals that can stand up to heavy hitting while maintaining musicality. Compared to standard B8 bronze cymbals, the B12 alloy in the Classics Custom Dark provides a richer frequency spectrum. When compared to larger 14-inch or 15-inch hats, these 13-inch models offer a tighter, more controlled sound that is beneficial for studio recording or fast-tempo live performances where clarity is paramount.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13 Hi-Hats?: These hi-hats are crafted from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This specific alloy provides a versatile balance between brightness and durability for modern drumming styles.
What is the typical price for this package?: The bundle is typically priced at approximately £225. This includes both the 13-inch hi-hat pair and the black Gear4music hi-hat stand.
How does the deep hammering affect the sound?: The deep hammering technique produces a more aggressive and cutting 'chick' sound. It helps the cymbals penetrate through dense instrumentation in loud musical genres.
What are the benefits of the 13-inch diameter?: A 13-inch diameter offers a higher pitch and a quicker, more articulate response compared to 14-inch models. This makes them particularly effective for fast, intricate sticking patterns.
Why do these hi-hats have a dark polished finish?: The dark polished finish provides a unique aesthetic to the drum kit and contributes to a rounder, more controlled tone. It helps balance the natural brightness of the B12 bronze.
Is the included stand reliable for touring?: Yes, the Gear4music black hi-hat stand is described as a reliable and sturdy hardware piece. It is designed to securely hold the hats in place during vigorous performance sessions.
How does additional lathing change the cymbal's tone?: Additional lathing refines the sound waves produced by the cymbal, resulting in a smoother or 'rounder' tone. This helps the hi-hats sound more musical despite their aggressive attack.
What genre of music are these hi-hats best suited for?: Due to their bright tones and strong attack, they are ideal for rock, metal, and other loud genres. However, their refined lathing allows them to work in various contemporary settings.
Can I use these hi-hats with other stands?: Yes, these are standard 13-inch hi-hats and are compatible with most standard stands, including the Yamaha HS740A. The bundle, however, already includes a dedicated black stand.
What is included in this specific bundle?: The bundle includes one pair of Meinl Classics Custom Dark 13-inch hi-hat cymbals and one Gear4music hi-hat stand in a black finish. No other accessories are mentioned in the standard package.
How does the sound compare to B8 bronze cymbals?: B12 bronze generally offers a more professional, complex frequency response than entry-level B8 bronze. It provides better projection and a more pleasant harmonic sustain.
Does the black finish on the stand wear off easily?: The stand is described as having a sleek, sturdy design intended for regular use. While all plated or painted hardware may show wear over years of heavy use, it is built to be a durable component of the kit.